| |
Sign up for our Herb of the
Week email.
Each week we will have
information on how the herb is used,
how to cook with herbs, how to make
teas, tonics and recipes. We will never
give or sell your email address to
anyone.
|
|
- Ayurveda: Overview
Ayurvedic therapy is a truly holistic approach to achieving and maintaining wellness based on thousands of years of scientific study.
Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old healing tradition from India that teaches us how to enrich our lives by staying in harmony with nature.
- Ayurveda and The Changing Seasons
Are you one of those people who suddenly come down with a cold and cough when winter changes to spring? I will share some information from the ancient teachings of the Ayurveda that will help you to support and nurture yourself during seasonal changes and other times when the body may become stressed. The Ayurveda says that most diseases are born during the changing of the seasons.
- The Three Doshas
At the heart of Ayurveda is its concept of the three Doshas, or the three different basic types of human constitution. From ether and air comes Vata; from fire and an aspect of water comes Pitta; and from water and earth comes Kapha. By the elements and Doshas, we determine the basic nature of different individuals and we establish a line of treatment unique to their needs.
- The Three Doshas and Plants
The three Doshas exist in plants as they do in all nature. Kapha plants are characterized by luxuriant growth, abundant leaves and sap; they are dense, heavy, succulent, and contain much water. Vata plants have sparse leaves, rough, cracked bark, crooked, gnarled branches, spindly growth habits, and contain little sap. Pitta plants are brightly colored with bright flowers; they are moderate in strength and sap, and the latter may be poisonous or burning in its effect.
- Determining Individual Constitution
Individual constitution is acquired at birth and remains constant through life. While there are three general types according to the predominant Dosha, combinations and variations also exist. For example, two Doshas may exist in equal strengths. The following indications are not to create stereotypes but to just show typical conditions and tendencies towards excess.
- Enhance Memory Through Ayurvedic Herbs
The human brain is one of the most sophisticated organs nature has ever made. One of the most interesting aspects of the brain is its power to retain information, which we call as memory. Memory is perhaps the most vital of the aspects that differentiates human beings from other animals. However, memory can become faulty due to several reasons, and in that case the person is not able to make full use of his or her potentials.
- Ayurveda: Healthy Mind & Body
In the Bhagavad Gita, a classic text on yoga, Sri Krishna compares the peaceful mind to a calm lake which has very few ripples or waves. Although there may be many rivers and streams running into it, the lake remains undisturbed. In this analogy, the rivers and streams can be compared to the constant flow of desires that arise in our thoughts. Like the lake, when the mind is at rest and satisfied the individual remains at peace.
- Ayurveda Treatments For High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is the condition when the blood flow in the arteries and veins is forced under a higher pressure than normal. This can happen due to the weakness of the heart or due to the buildup of cholesterol in the coronary arteries, which can reduce their lumen. Today, most people in the world are suffering from hypertension, though it is not always fatal. Proper medication and a positive lifestyle can make people with higher blood pressures lead a long and happy life. However, neglect can cause severe fatal problems like myocardial infarctions (heart attacks).
- Ayurvedic Liver Care
The liver is the master organ of the body, and most people consider the liver to be more important in the normal functioning of the body than even the brain and the heart. If there is any damage to the liver, then there could be serious complications, such as constipation, chronic gastritis, morning sickness, etc. Problems with the liver could be jaundice, hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver), all of which are life-threatening conditions. Hence it is very important to take proper care of the liver.
- Living in Harmony with Nature
'Ayur' means life and 'Veda' means knowledge. Ayurveda is the science of life. If there was a life handbook given at birth guiding us to a healthy and happy life, included would be several chapters on the science of Ayurveda. This ancient healing system has its historical base in the pre-Aryan civilization of India dating back over 5000 years.
- Panchakarma Treatment
The practices of panchakarma are extremely gentle, effective, and nurturing. The process starts with first discovering your constitutional nature, called Prakruti, and the current balance of the doshas, called Vikruti. This is done through a comprehensive exam that is simple and fun.
- Shirodhara: Flowing Oil Treatment
Shirodhara is a treatment given during the Ayurvedic rejuvenation process called Panchakarma. Shiro means the "head" and dhara means the "constant flow". The treatment is a constant flow of warm herbal oil on the forehead poured from a copper container about 8-12 inches above the head. It is sometimes rhythmically moving across the forehead and sometimes still. The oil is continuously flowing allowing it to run through the hair and the scalp. Shirodhara quiets the mind and the senses which allow the body's natural healing system to release stress from the nervous system.
- Triphala, the Rejuvenator
Triphala has recently received great popularity around the world, but in India is has been renowned for thousands of years. Triphala is believed by most people to be a simple Ayurvedic remedy for constipation. In fact, Triphala is a Rasayana or a rejuvenator. Rasayanas affect the body in a general way tonifying and supporting good health, they promote vitality and longevity.
- Varicose Vein Treatment
Varicose veins refer to the condition in which the veins of the legs become varicosed, i.e. they appear swollen and bulging and can be made out from the outside. Varicose veins may be dark in color or may retain their original color. They are always painful. In case of prolonged varicose veins, there could be skin peeling and skin ulcers in certain affected parts of the legs.
- Ayurveda Recipes Ghee (Clarified Butter)
Ghee is clarified butter, or butter which has the solids or "impurities" removed. It is actually pure; therefore it is best cooking medium; requires no refrigeration, and keeps indefinitely. It is more healthful than any other cooking oil.
- Ayurveda Recipes Nourishing Kitchari
Ayurvedic physicians often prescribe a kitchari diet before, during, and after Pancha karma, a rejuvenative treatment that cleanses toxins stored in bodily tissues as it restores systemic balance. Kitchari provides solid nourishment while allowing the body to devote energy to healing. You can safely subsist on kitchari anytime in order to build vitality and strength as it helps balance all three doshas. For restless vata, the warm soup is grounding; for fiery pitta, its spices are calming; and for chilly kapha, it provides healing warmth.
- Ayurveda Recipes Pakoras & Tomato Chutney
Cauliflower pakora and tomato chutney are a delightful combination of flavors and textures. And they're a great informal snack or buffet itme because they're for dipping and eating with your fingers! (You can make almost any vegetable into pakoras with this recipe. Be sure to cut the veggies small enough to cook through, but large enough to hold up during cooking.)
- Ayurveda Recipes Samosas
These are traditional Indian pastries filled with seasoned vegetables.
- Tea and Smoothie
This tea is balancing to the digestive system. It supports the absorption of nutrients in the body and balances samana vata. Samana is known as the stabilizing air; once it is out of balance the other energies in the body quickly suffer.
|
|
|
|
